Speaking of weddings...

For all of my Alpha Gam readers, did ya'll know that Amy Phillips-Redclift's wedding was on Style Network's Whose Wedding is it Anyway? I watched the episode yesterday. For those of you who want to watch, the episode is titled Missing Pieces, and will be run several times this summer (see schedule on website). The next time it is on is Thursday, July 3rd. She looked beautiful, and was super classy. I was proud to call her my sister! There are a few more TSU Gam girls on the episode too ;)

Summer Weddings

My friend Brigitt emailed me a few weeks ago asking me what to wear to a wedding in June. I decided that since this is the biggest time of the year for weddings, and weddings are one of the hardest things to decide what to wear, I'd give you all a few pointers. I'll use the wedding Brigitt is going to as an example.

Hers is in Napa in a vineyard at 2:00pm with the reception partying into the night. The weather there this time of year is about 80s during the day and 50s at night. Tricky, right? I suggested white pants, a colorful feminine top, metallic shoe and a wrap for the evening when it gets chilly. She was thrilled when I told her she could wear white pants! They are a beautiful classic that are really big this summer. There is nothing classier than a crisp white pant.

So that is one option for a daytime wedding, and another would be a flirty summer dress. DO NOT do black, sequins, or shiny fabrics during the day.

For the evening (5:00pm and after), you can do black...if you want to play it safe. However, there are so many other beautiful options for the summer (blue, green, fuchsia, purple), I'd steer away from black totally. For the evening, be sure you take the fabric of your dress up a notch. Go for a satin, or flowy silken or chiffon fabrics. DO NOT do pants for an evening wedding. And remember that accessories are as important as the outfit. So for a more simple dress, kick it up with a fab shoe, dramatic necklace, and cute metallic clutch...and whatever you do...don't forget your strapless bra!

So you think you can dance?

Does anyone else watch So You Think You Can Dance? I became obsessed last summer with it, and the obsession has continued this summer. I don't know what it is about it. I think it's a combination of a few things. 1)My love for reality TV...well most of it anyway 2)My love for dance. Although, I was mediocre at best, I did dance most of my life, and love the way people can communicate through their body movements. 3) All of my normal shows are re-runs this summer, and this is something new and exciting...and 2 nights a week.

This gal is another reason I love to watch the show. I LOVE seeing what the show's host, Cat Deeley will be wearing each week! She has got such great style. Sometimes her dresses are funky, other times elegant. But always stylish. I know, it doesn't hurt that she's blond, and about 6 ft. tall. But, I wait with anticipation to see what she is going to wear each week.

If you like dance at all, you should totally watch this show. It blows all of those other competition type reality shows out of the water. These kids are fantastic! If not, just watch the intro to see what Cat is wearing...you won't be disappointed!

Nude Shoes

What I love about my job, is that it is always changing...because fashion is always changing! BUT, the rules don't change. As the teacher, I must be constantly learning as well. I learned a new rule after reading my InStyle mag, and I must share it with you.

If you are my client, you know my rules about shoes (wear pointy toes to make the leg look longer, don't wear shoes w/ ankle straps...cuts off the leg, etc.). Well, I have a new one. Wear nude shoes! Duh, why didn't I think of this on my own? It makes total sense. If you wear a shoe the same color as your skin, it makes your legs look longer, and like they continue on and on.

Since I read this article, I have noticed lots of people doing this on TV. They probably always have, I just didn't notice it. On The View this morning, it looked like Elizabeth Hassleback's legs weren't going to stop! They don't have pictures or videos posted on their website yet, but she had on a cute black vest (worn as a shirt) with turquoise short-shorts and...nude heels. I mean, didn't she like just give birth, and she looks freakin' fabulous. I love her!

Anyway, sorry for rambling. Just wanted to share my exciting new rule. And look out Ciao Bella clients...nude shoes are going to be a must on your list!

Sorry for being absent

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't been in touch lately. It's been a crazy week with my niece being born, and my other sister and her family being in town. Things should be back to normal by Monday, and I'll have lots to share. Hope summer is going well for everyone!

Blog makeover

What do you think? My blog's image needed help, as we all do from time to time. The wonderful Hilary Keegan designed my new blog for me. She is a college student, and also has a job, and she designs blogs! She is doing it to build a portfolio, and she does the work for free...isn't she awesome! She does have a place on her site where you can donate, and she deserves the donations! I'm linking her on my fav blogs. I got her info from the other Hillary...she did her adorable blog, and I contacted her immediately. She did EXACTLY what I wanted, used the colors from my company logo, and I love it! I think my blog's self esteem was boosted too ;) Oh, check out my cute signature she created too!

Concert pics

Here are the pics I promised from the concert...good times had by all! I also included a video I took from backstage, but not sure if it will work. I took it with my regular camera. My first time putting a video on my blog, so sorry if I fail!

Danielle, Raquel, Garrett, Me and Tadd



Jason Aldean

Tim McGraw from pre-show party

Tim in his tight jeans

Fashionista's Fashion Disaster

Yes, it happens. For those of you who have kids, you will totally get what I'm saying. When you pack for a trip, they come first. You don't forget ANYTHING for your kids...bandaids, diapers, plenty of underwear, extra socks, and the list goes on. But when mommy packs her stuff, it's a whole different story! Rewind to last Monday morning. In my mind, we are leaving for B'ham Tuesday a.m. I had my day planned out: laundry, yoga, dishes, and pack. Tadd wakes me up Monday morning and says, "Let's leave this afternoon and eat dinner at The Bright Star tonight and relax at the hotel so we won't be rushed tomorrow. This sounded good to me, but I knew I was going to be rushing. I thought I got everything packed, and we were on the road by 4:30. Now, fast forward to Friday night. I'm getting ready to go the the rehearsal/dinner for my friend from high-school's wedding, and I had a fabulous (If I must say so myself...thanks to my friend Raquel...I borrowed!) dress to wear. Guess what Holly forgot...a strapless bra! Wow, what was I going to do?! I didn't have time to go buy one, and neither my mom or mom-in-law wear the same size as me. So I did the old high-school bandaid trick. Lord knows, since I pack perfectly for my kids, we have bandaids! So I need to thank the Lord for the small chest I've complained about all my life. Otherwise, it would've been obscene. Then Saturday night, I'm getting ready for the wedding, and I put on my dress...guess what you could see...my orange underwear through my dress. I forgot my slip. I did have nude color panties that worked, but I had to stay out of the sunlight.

My point in telling you this is, ALWAYS make a list when you are packing. There is nothing worse than having the perfect outfit, without the proper undergarments. I was uncomfortable and self-conscious that you could see my business through my dresses all weekend! I also wanted all of you to know that even the fashionista doesn't always have it together!

Enjoy some pics from the wedding!
Ciao!

Adam, Jay, Me, Brandon, John, Seth (All boys from high school)
The groom and my buddy (ring bearer)

The happy couple!

Mom, me and my boys

Fashion Faux Pas and Cowboy boots

Last night, I had the best time at the Tim McGraw concert (thanks Brett and Raquel)! I'll post pics later, but just wanted to let you know about the fashion at a country concert in Birmingham, AL...hmmmm, very interesting. Me, Raquel, and Danielle were all so glad we didn't wear our cute dresses we were planning, because cute and girly was not the theme of the night! I'm not here to make fun of people, but I just want to shed some light on a few things you may want to avoid.
1) 6 inch long denim mini skirts-I don't care what size you are, these are not good (unless you are like 2 years old, and if you are, you aren't reading my blog).

2) Bathing suit tops with skirts-I don't care how hot it is...and it was...save your swimsuit for the pool. The rest of us were sweating in our clothes, you should too.

3) White silky see-through pants with white thong...eww...I don't even know what else to say about this except, don't do it! P.S. Poor Tadd spotted this one, and he almost threw up his dinner.

4) Cowboy boots don't make your outfit cool-just because you are at a country concert, doesn't mean you have to try to be a cowgirl when you obviously are not. Stick to who you are!